There wasn’t much noise in Cole’s house tonight — it was as if even the walls had grown tired of being part of the chaos.

I was in the guest room, sitting on the floor with my sketchpad, doodling like I always did. A small electric fan whirred quietly beside me, and outside the window, the garden lights glowed faintly.

It was quiet. No footsteps, no laughter, no loud calls from Edward. Michelle wasn’t around either. God knows where she was this time — probably writing more lies in some group chat or posting passive-aggressive stories online.

I pulled my hoodie up and lay flat on the floor, trying to...